PURCHASE, N.Y. — Circle K is launching Mastercard’s new frictionless checkout product for convenience stores and other retailers, Shop Anywhere. In addition to Shop Anywhere, Mastercard is launching a suite of contactless payment and frictionless checkout platforms, including AI Powered Drive Through.
- Laval, Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard, Circle K’s parent company, is No. 2 on CSP’s 2020 Top 202 list of c-stores by store count.
“As retailers and consumers navigate through one of the most disruptive periods in modern history, it’s clear that traditional business operations will need to evolve quickly,” said Stephane Wyper, senior vice president of retail innovation for Mastercard, Purchase, N.Y. “We’re committed to supporting our retail partners as they look to meet the unforeseen challenges posed by this new normal and provide their customers with a more digitally enabled, touchless and secure retail experience.”
The Shop Anywhere platform is supported by AI and computer vision technology partner Accel Robotics. Shop Anywhere can also give shoppers access to stores outside of normal opening hours if selected by the retailer.
“We are thrilled to partner with Mastercard to help retailers deliver a new world of convenience,” said Brandon Maseda, CEO of Accel Robotics. “Through the Shop Anywhere platform, we are helping shorten the distance between shoppers and satisfaction.”
Mastercard is rolling out live pilots of the Shop Anywhere platform with several retail partners beginning in October 2020. For example, Circle K will launch at-the-pump and in-store frictionless experiences for its consumers, enabling them to efficiently grab-and-go snacks and drinks at select U.S. and Canadian locations. Dunkin’ and hospitality company Delaware North are also adopting Shop Anywhere.
The AI Powered Drive Through platform, provided in partnership with SoundHound and Rekor Systems, can help c-stores and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) transform their drive-thru interactions through vehicle recognition, voice ordering and artificial intelligence.
Consumers can receive personalized and dynamic menu offers based on historical purchasing trends either based on the store or the individual participating consumer. The product also removes the need to wait for an employee to take an order, enabling staff to focus on order throughput.
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